Juma heads drivers in National Rally title race

AMMAN — The third round of the Jordan National Rally Championship kicks off on Friday with the participation of seven drivers.

Khaled Juma is heading the standings with 50 points after winning the first and second rounds with hopes on sailing smoothly towards the title.

“We are happy that drivers are excited for this round as it represents the final test before the big event in October, the Jordan Rally,” Othman Naseef, Jordan Motorsport CEO, told The Jordan Times. “The list of competitors is really impressive with Juma heading the standings with 50 points. I expect a lot of challenge and dedication in the third round.”

“We have a new face, Yaman Abu Adas, who will be taking part for the first time,” Naseef added.

One woman driver will be taking part in the event.

“We have Lina Hadidi who is teaming up with a veteran driver Barkev Shadian.” Meanwhile another female participant, Marina, will join her father Raed Habaybeh as his co-driver,” Naseef said.

Shadian, an experienced driver and champion of Speed Test events, said that he is really excited to join hands with an inspiring female driver.

“I believe that women are getting more into rallying and auto sports in general and we, as experienced drivers, should have the responsibility to encourage and advise them as much as we can. Lina is a great driver and I am sure she has an excellent future,” Shadian said. 

Drivers have to cover a total distance of 207.74 km with six special stages (74.94km). Drivers will pass through Turky, Nebo and Maeen on gravel stages considered one of the toughest rounds.

Juma and co-driver Imad Juma clocked 42m55s in their Mitsubishi Evo 7 in the second round which was held in Madaba, followed by Amjad Sheikh and co-driver Abdullah Abdah (44m33s) in their Subaru Impreza, and Ihab Shurafa and co-driver Rakan Khair (48m06s) in their Mitsubishi Evo 9.